SBN - A Meal That Serves the Future

SEMA Member News - November/December 2009

Get Connected in Minutes at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast

The most exciting networking event at the SEMA Show occurs at the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SBN.

Make plans now to attend the SEMA Speed Networking Breakfast—Powered by the SBN, which is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. in Ballroom A at the Las Vegas Hilton. It is the only SEMA Show event that exclusively brings recognition to companies and individuals that support the professional development of women in our industry.

The event is the SBN’s opportunity to announce the winner of the Athena and Woman of the Year awards. This year, the SBN will also present a new annual award to honor an outstanding SEMA mentor. The Mentor of the Year award was created to acknowledge an individual for his or her wisdom, encouragement and willingness to “help others along” as a foundation for growth.

Immediately following a delicious breakfast and the awards presentations, attendees will have a chance to engage in what many consider to be the most fun networking event at the Show. Speed Networking (much like speed dating) gives attendees a chance to quickly get to know other people in brief exchanges. Bring lots of business cards. Goodie bags will also be furnished at the breakfast, courtesy of this year’s sponsors.

Here you can get more information about the breakfast or purchase tickets. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance or at the SEMA Association Center, which will be located in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center during the Show. We encourage you to get your tickets early. Seating for this popular event is limited.

The 2008 Athena Award was presented by former SBN Chairwoman S. Kellie Colf (second from right), 2009 Chairwoman Tammy Holland (second from left) and member of the SEMA Board of Directors Luanne Brown (far left) to Ron Coleman (center) and Paul “Scooter” Brothers (far right), both of Competition Cams.

Sponsorship—Another Way to Support Women in the Aftermarket

The SBN has been a valuable resource for many years, providing education and networking resources that have helped further careers in manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing and all areas of business. We ask that you support this year’s Speed Networking Breakfast with a sponsorship. There are four levels offered—$250, $500, $1,000 and $2,000—each providing opportunities for recognition and exposure. A portion of your sponsorship also benefits the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

For more information, contact the SBN sponsorship committee chair, Nancy Loetfering, by calling 905/353-0552. A breakfast sponsorship form can be downloaded on the SBN website.

SBN Insider News

SBN invites all women in the automotive aftermarket to become members of the SBN and to share news of their professional accomplishments.

The SBN pinewood derby car finished fourth in the Modified Class at this year’s races, held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. Progress!

Race to the Finish

Word has it that the SBN’s derby car did much better than its inaugural run in 2008 in the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races. Designed this year by Mitch Williams and cosponsored by EdgeNet and the SBN Select Committee, the 2009 car came in fourth in the Modified Class. There’s always next year!

SBN Scholarship Winner Announced—Renisha Newton, Engineering Major

For many years, the SBN has been pleased to provide financial support in the form of a scholarship to help further career opportunities for women in the aftermarket. This year’s SBN scholarship recipient is Renisha Newton of Saginaw, Michigan. Her stated goal is to work as a product design engineer, with the expectation that she will someday be able to design a product that enhances the lives of others.

The SBN feels confident that Newton will achieve her career goals, and we are happy to support her with a scholarship of $2,000. Newton has an impressive 3.9 GPA at Kettering University, where she is enrolled in the post-graduate engineering program.